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Updated October 2026
Data from the official Beelink and Apple sites.
2026 verdict
Thunderbolt ports are the desk consequence, and the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) is the mini PC that carries four of them.
It runs macOS on a 10-core M2 Pro with a 16-core GPU, 16 GB of soldered LPDDR5, a 512 GB SSD, built-in speakers and an internal power supply. The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) is the more affordable Windows 11 Pro alternative, a Ryzen 5 5500U with 16 GB of DDR4 that can reach 64 GB, a 480 GB SSD, 2.5G Ethernet and a VESA mount, and it has no Thunderbolt. Fitted memory matches at 16 GB. Only the Beelink can add more. Only the Mac speaks macOS.
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| Feature | Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) | Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.6 | Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | LPDDR5 | Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) |
| Storage Capacity | 480 GB | 512 GB | Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) |
| CPU Model | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | M2 Pro (10-core CPU) | Different strengths |
| Memory Configuration | Dual-slot | Unified Memory | Different strengths |
| GPU Model | AMD Radeon Graphics (7 cores) | 16-core GPU | Different strengths |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| Memory Capacity | 16 GB | 16 GB | Tie |
What the differences mean
Operating system and ports
The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) runs macOS and has four Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB 3 Type-A ports and one HDMI output, with DisplayPort carried on Thunderbolt. The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) runs Windows 11 Pro, with one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, three USB 3.2 Type-A ports and no USB4 or Thunderbolt. A dock full of Thunderbolt devices belongs on the Mac. A plain Windows monitor and keyboard belong on either.
Memory you can change
Both ship 16 GB. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) uses soldered LPDDR5 unified memory and stops at 32 GB, so the configuration you buy is the one you keep. The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) uses DDR4-3200 SODIMM and can take 64 GB. The Mac's memory type is the newer one. The Beelink is the one you can open later. The Mac's memory speed is not published.
Ethernet and power
The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) has 2.5G Ethernet and an external power adapter. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has gigabit Ethernet and a built-in power supply, so there is no brick on the desk. Wi-Fi is 6E on the Mac and Wi-Fi 6 on the Beelink. Bluetooth is 5.3 against 5.4. The wired win, if you have a 2.5G switch, is the Beelink.
Sound, storage and mount
The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has built-in speakers and a 512 GB SSD. The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) has no speakers and a 480 GB M.2 SSD, so the storage edge is small. The Beelink includes a VESA mount and an HDMI cable. The Mac includes neither. Neither has an SD card reader. Both are covered for one year.
Which one to buy if
- you need macOS and a Thunderbolt dock
The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has four Thunderbolt 4 ports, macOS, speakers and an internal power supply.
- you want upgradeable RAM and the lower price on Windows
The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) is the more affordable mini PC, and its DDR4 can go from 16 GB to 64 GB.
- you want 2.5G Ethernet rather than gigabit
The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) has 2.5G Ethernet. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has gigabit Ethernet.
- you want no power brick on the desk
The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has an internal power supply. The Beelink SER5 Pro uses an external adapter.
13% OFF
Prime exclusive deal$389.00
$449.00
- - Rating: 4.4 vs 4.6
- - Memory Type: DDR4 vs LPDDR5
Winner
- + Rating: 4.6
- + Memory Type: LPDDR5
- + Storage Capacity: 512 GB
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) or Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)?
The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB), for macOS, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, LPDDR5 memory and a 512 GB SSD. The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) is the more affordable Windows 11 Pro mini PC, with DDR4 you can raise to 64 GB and 2.5G Ethernet.
Is the Apple Mac Mini in this pair an M4?
No. This Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) uses a 10-core M2 Pro, model MNH73LL/A, with 16 GB of LPDDR5 and a 512 GB SSD. The other machine is the Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB), a Windows Ryzen 5 mini PC, not another Mac.
What is the biggest difference between the Beelink SER5 Pro and the Mac Mini M2 Pro?
The operating system and the ports around it. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) runs macOS and has four Thunderbolt 4 ports. The Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB) runs Windows 11 Pro and has no Thunderbolt. Fitted RAM is 16 GB on both, but only the Beelink can be expanded.
Can you upgrade the memory in the Mac Mini M2 Pro or the SER5 Pro?
Only in the Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB), which uses DDR4 SODIMM up to 64 GB. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has soldered LPDDR5, with a 32 GB ceiling, so you cannot add RAM later.
Who should buy the Beelink SER5 Pro (16GB + 480GB)?
Someone who wants the more affordable Windows 11 Pro mini PC, with 2.5G Ethernet, a VESA mount and DDR4 that can grow to 64 GB, and who does not need Thunderbolt or macOS.
Who should buy the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)?
Someone who wants macOS, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, built-in speakers and an internal power supply, and who accepts soldered 16 GB of LPDDR5 and gigabit Ethernet.
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